Solar Power Converter

Converter or Inverter?

Two often confused components included in the solar configurations are converters and inverters. We will try to explain the basic differences between the two devices and gives you some tips on how to decide which type you will buy.

Converters 101

In one set of solar energy, the converter is an electrical device that adjusts the output voltage DC conversely up or down from the input level. It is often referred to as a charge controller, and DC-to-DC converters can increase photon power collector power and help regulate the DC current flowing in the system. This means that everything in the system outside the controller (batteries, inverters, and others) gets a steady current stream.

Inverters 101

Sometimes incorrectly called a converter, inverters handle less voltage and more current type, changing the power of DC to AC, which most homes use to power their devices operation. Without a solar inverter, the energy generated by solar panels cannot be easily used.

Three types of inverters are commonly used in solar energy systems:

Micro-Inverter:

The micro inverter is a small inverter located on a solar panel, which converts DC electricity produced by a single panel. Because they work with individual solar panels, micro inverters allow their array to continue working even if the board is not working correctly. However, they are more costly than other types of solar inverters and require more maintenance.

String Inverters:

This is the usual inverter type for home and commercial solar power systems. String inverters are very efficient, robust and cost-effective compared to other types of inverters but they do not have panel-level monitoring and high voltage can pose a security risk.

Central investors:

Are designed for larger businesses and basically work as a consolidated version of the string investor. They have a low cost per watt, are very effective and relatively easy to install. The disadvantages of the central inverters are their size, the potential for noise pollution and the fact that if part of the array fails; the whole system may as well fail.

What should you buy?

The equipment you need will be primarily determined by the solar configuration you want to use. Users who intend relying on the banks of the battery, for example, should opt for a decent MPPT charging controller, and those who those who plan to expand their network in the near future will probably be preferred to go for micro inverters because it is more comfortable with this type of arrangement.

The size of a converter or inverter that you needed should be based on the number of watts your solar generator can generate and how many watts your home will consume. If you have a converter with low input capacity, it cannot increase the efficiency of your array, and you may risk frothing the device. If you have a low capacity inverter, it cannot be able to power all the appliances in your home.

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Did you know that solar installation increases the value of your home? Because solar is in such high demand in this day and age, a potential buyer would be more interested in buying a home that already has it installed, so that they do not have to do it themselves. This way, if you already have it, your home can be priced higher than it would without it. So, in the long run, if you decide to sell, you may not be losing out on money.

Sunshine Solar, Inc. is a full-service company that takes care of everything you need to get done in a solar project.

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